This new real estate trend would have to be a strong seller among sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder…
The latest thing in highrise condos in Chicago is to build a so-called “winter garden”, a balcony with wall-to-ceiling glass that can be opened in summer and left closed in winter, when it creates a temperate climate of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The idea, to be unveiled on developer Sutherland Pearsall’s upcoming Streeterville project, 535 St Clair, (see right) echoes a design feature found on many old Chicago bungalows.
Developer Mark Sutherland tells us the winter garden, available on the building’s east-facing units, will be a more flexible space than a regular balcony. Architect David Brininstool of Chicago firm Brininstool + Lynch was behind the design.
Construction on the project is scheduled to begin in 2006; in the meantime Sutherland Pearsall is trying to close out sales on a sister project just down the block, 550 St Clair.
Let’s also thank the developer for preserving the beautiful loft building to the north of the proposed highrise. Too many such buildings in the area have been lost, or are in danger of demolition for new construction. These classic Chicago loft buildings help define the unique history and character of Streeterville.